Raising Levels of Progress

Tag: community development

Holistic education often in focuses on academic, social, emotion, physical, cultural and spiritual activities, outcomes, teachings and experiences. The inclusion of economic, financial,and/or entrepreneurship provides an opportunity for students to gain skills and knowledge that are vital to survival and success. The opportunity to learn using a project-based approach can provide an experience that solidifies learning and confidence in decision making and innovation. This information is often taught at home to students by parents who understand the value of this knowledge and skills. Having more emphasis in formal education may lead to an increase in success amongst future generations and eliminate the incidence of poverty amongst those who may not have had access to this knowledge about the way the world works in terms of money.

The Steeper Climb has created a new goal setting workshop that includes teaching resourcefulness as part of a strategy. Resourcefulness can be taught as a skill and as a mindset. Youth can process, interpret and give meaning to this information within the framework of their respective cultures-and then build upon it. Goals can be individualized or created by a group. The workshop shares tools to support the promotion of self-directed learning so that progress continues beyond the workshop. The use of resourcefulness in goal-setting can build skills and beliefs that support resilience in youth. By Nancy MacLeod

There is funding to be found; it takes time and effort but it is attainable. Most organizations can benefit from having a designated person searching for calls for proposals and writing proposals. Hiring a consultant can work in the interim but a staff person dedicated to building capacity through proposal writing is a stronger approach. Another thing to remember is the importance of building a coordinator or manager position into all project proposals. This builds community/organization capacity and ensures there is a designated person responsible for the project.

Can you benefit from a workshop on team-building skills without an opportunity for self-development? Can you bring anything to the team that is greater than yourself? Many managers look to a 2 day workshop on team-building skills to enhance the productivity, efficiency, etc. of their staff. And in some cases, it is to increase cooperation and reduce conflict amongst the staff. The staff of an organization can make or break the organization. They are the the engine that drives the organization forward, or stalls it, or flips it on its side. Perhaps personal development is the key, self-reflection, an opportunity to be the best that you can be. And then you bring the best that you can be to the team. The schools do not teach us how to be the best that we can be. Many people are searching and so self-learning has become popular. The self-help section in the bookstore is growing – the demand is there. Perhaps we should begin with supporting individuals to be the best that they can be as part of professional development in the work place. I believe it will more than beneficial.

The programs or projects which provide an opportunity for engagement and interaction have a better chance of success. The engagement and interaction can include youth decision-making and influence over programming approaches, details, and activities. Youth gain more traction in a program when they can influence the direction of the program or project. It is a subtle approach to leadership development and engagement with others. it can not be prescribed or framed in a work plan but it can be an approach based on the principle of the significance of random, natural engagement – and then the project takes on a life of its own.

“The steeper the mountain, the harder the climb, the better the view from the finish line ;)”

We can apply this quote/concept to capacity building for individuals, youth labelled at-risk, communities suffering from years of oppression, and organizations struggling to create healthy workplaces. The important thing to remember is to develop initiatives that work within the framework of the steeper climb. Extra supports are needed. Perhaps a holistic approach is required so that all aspects of a persons life are taken into consideration on the climb. Mountain climbers do use equipment and supports; they do not walk straight up the steepest mountain. We can continue to improve our approach!